Alabama requires all RNs, LPNs, and APRNs to complete 24 hours of Board-approved continuing education every renewal cycle. As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, Alabama also offers multistate licensing for nurses who qualify. Here's your complete renewal guide.
Alabama RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Alabama Board of Nursing requires all nurses to complete 24 contact hours of approved continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle. CE hours must be completed within the last 24 months prior to renewal, and the Board offers free CE courses through its website to help nurses stay compliant.
Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, which means nurses with a multistate license can practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Multistate license holders pay a higher renewal fee.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs:
- 24 total CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- Board-approved providers — CE must come from approved sources recognized by the Alabama Board of Nursing
- Mandatory new licensee course: Newly licensed nurses must complete a 4-hour Board-provided course covering the Nurse Practice Act, regulations, and professional conduct (included in the 24-hour total)
- Renewal fee: $100 for a single-state license or $200 for a multistate license (plus $3.50 transaction fee)
For LPNs:
- 24 total CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle (same as RN)
- Renewal fee: $100 for a single-state license or $200 for a multistate license (plus $3.50 transaction fee)
For APRNs:
- 24 total CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- Renewal fee: $75 (plus $3.50 transaction fee)
Important Renewal Dates
Alabama has different renewal schedules depending on your license type:
- RN and APRN licenses: Renew on even-numbered years. The renewal period opens September 1 and closes December 31 at 4:30 p.m.
- LPN licenses: Renew on odd-numbered years with the same September 1 through December 31 window.
- Grace period: There is no formal grace period. If your license expires on December 31, you cannot legally practice until it is reinstated through the ABN portal.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Alabama Nursing License
- Log in to the Alabama Board of Nursing portal. Visit abn.alabama.gov to access your renewal application.
- Navigate to the Renewal section and select your license type (RN, LPN, or APRN).
- Verify your CE compliance. Review your CE Record in the My Profile section to confirm you have completed 24 contact hours of approved CE.
- Complete the renewal application. Answer all required questions and confirm your information.
- Pay the renewal fee. $100 for a single-state license, $200 for a multistate license, or $75 for APRN (plus $3.50 transaction fee).
- Submit before December 31 at 4:30 p.m. Late submissions will result in license expiration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until December to complete CE. You need 24 hours from approved providers within the last 24 months. Start early so you have time to address any issues with course approvals.
- Missing the 4:30 p.m. deadline on December 31. The portal closes at 4:30 p.m., not midnight. Plan to submit well before the cutoff to avoid technical issues.
- Not checking your CE Record. The ABN website tracks your CE completion. Review your record before starting the renewal to identify any gaps.
- Confusing RN and LPN renewal years. RN/APRN licenses renew on even-numbered years and LPN licenses renew on odd-numbered years. Mark the correct year on your calendar.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Take advantage of free Board CE courses. The Alabama Board of Nursing provides dozens of hours of free continuing education through its website. Check the ABN portal under My Profile for available courses.
- Renew early in September. The renewal window opens September 1 — renewing early avoids the end-of-year rush and gives you time to resolve any issues.
- Consider a multistate license. If you plan to do travel nursing or telehealth across state lines, the multistate license at $200 is well worth the investment.
- Track your CE throughout the cycle. RenewRN can help you track your CE hours and get reminders as your renewal deadline approaches, so you never fall behind.
Track Your Alabama License with RenewRN
With 24 CE hours to track and a firm December 31 deadline, staying organized is key. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires, tracks your CE completion, and keeps all your credentials in one place.